DPS Spring Commendation Ceremony Celebration

DPS held its Spring Commendations Ceremony, in conjunction with the Undergraduate Assembly (UA) and the Graduate and Professional Students Assembly (GAPSA), in Fagin Hall on Tuesday, April 16, 2013.  

The presentation opened with the entrance of the Honor Guard and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a powerful invocation by Chaplain Charles Howard.   The University of Pennsylvania Police Department was then presented with the CALEA Accreditation Award with Excellence, by CALEA Executive Director Sylvester Daughtry Jr.   Vice President Rush then swore-in three new officers, and promoted three current members of the Penn Police department. A special presentation was made to the Philadelphia Homicide Task Force Unit for their outstanding contributions to apprehending the murderer of Dr. Melissa Ketenuti.  A special presentation was also given to the Lower Merion Ice Hockey Team for their support of the Philadelphia PAL (Police Athletic League). The UA/GAPSA presented awards to student-nominated security staff who have shown exceptional support on campus.  Gene Janda, Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, presented awards to the MERT leadership and outgoing seniors.  The remainder of the evening was filled with letters of recognition, merit commendations, and distinguished unit citations for police officers, security officers, PennComm dispatchers and local citizens, recognizing their contributions to making our community safer.

Vice President Rush administers the Oath of Office to new recruits P/O Rafael Stoppazzollo, P/O Tanya Orliw, P/O Joseph McDermott, and awards promotions to Detective David Callis, Sergeant Thomas Devore and Sergeant Michael Ricciardi.

 Undergraduate Assembly graduating President Dan Bernick assisted by incoming UA President Abe Sutton present the UA awards.